Name: How to buy property abroad: a beginner’s guide
Start: 2023-08-24T16:30:00+01:00
End: 2023-08-24T17:00:00+01:00

Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Portugal with no general requirement to be a resident.

The practical “must-haves” are getting a Portuguese tax number (NIF), using an independent lawyer for due diligence, and completing the purchase through the formal deed/registration steps so ownership is properly recorded.

Many overseas buyers also open a Portuguese bank account early to simplify deposits, tax payments, and completion funds.

For further information on how to buy a property in Portugal as a foreigner download our Portugal Buying Guide.

Question 2

Are buying taxes different in Alicante compared with other Spanish regions?

Accepted Answer

The overall categories of costs are the same across Spain, but the rates for transfer tax (ITP) and some duties can vary by autonomous community, so Alicante (Valencian Community) may differ from Andalucía or Catalonia.

Whether you pay ITP versus VAT/IVA + stamp duty depends on whether the home is resale or new build. In all cases, budget for Notary and Land Registry fees and conveyancing support. The “right” figure is the current rate that applies to your exact property and buyer profile, so confirm with a local lawyer before signing the private contract.

Question 3

What should I check before buying a villa in Spain?

Accepted Answer

For any villa in Spain, the most important checks are:

(1) Land Registry details (owner, boundaries, charges/mortgages),

(2) debts attached to the property (IBI, community fees if applicable), and

(3) planning and build legality—especially for pools, terraces, extensions, enclosed porches, and outbuildings.

Ask your lawyer to confirm the villa matches its legal description and that any renovations have the right permissions. For rural villas, add checks for access rights, water supply, septic systems, and whether the land classification restricts future works.

Question 4

What are “title deeds” in Cyprus—and should I buy without them?

Accepted Answer

In Cyprus, the title deed is the Land Registry record proving legal ownership. Ideally, you buy a property with a separate title deed already issued.

If a deed isn’t available yet (common in new developments), you’re relying on the contract structure and the developer’s path to issuing separate titles.

Reduce risk by:

(a) confirming the property’s legal status through a Land Registry search,

(b) ensuring the Contract of Sale is deposited at the Land Registry, and

(c) verifying what completion certificates and registrations are still needed before deeds can be issued and transferred.

For more information on buying an off plan property in Cyprus or seeking legal representation please reach out to our in house Cyprus Property Consultants.

Question 5

What are typical buying costs on the Costa del Sol beyond the price?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on whether the home is resale or new build. Resales typically involve transfer tax (ITP); new builds commonly involve VAT/IVA plus stamp duty (AJD).

Also budget for legal fees, Notary and Land Registry fees, plus practical villa ownership costs like insurance, pool/garden maintenance, and utilities. Your lawyer should provide a written cost estimate before you sign the private contract.

Question 6

What is the property buying process in Spain?

Accepted Answer

A typical Spain purchase follows:

(1) offer accepted,

(2) reservation agreement and deposit,

(3) legal due diligence (Land Registry checks via nota simple, debts, planning/licences, community fees),

(4) private contract (often “arras”) with a larger deposit,

(5) completion at the Notary where funds are transferred and the escritura is signed, and

(6) registration at the Registro de la Propiedad.

You should avoid paying significant deposits before a lawyer confirms title, charges, and planning status—especially for rural homes or properties with extensions.

Download Spain Buying Guide to learn more about the process from start to finish.

Question 7

What is the buying process in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

A typical Portugal purchase goes:

(1) agree terms,

(2) lawyer checks title/charges and key documents (e.g., property registry extracts),

(3) sign the promissory contract (CPCV) and pay a deposit,

(4) arrange finance and final checks,

(5) sign the final deed (commonly referred to as the escritura or equivalent formalised deed) and transfer funds,

(6) register ownership so your rights are protected. The CPCV is important because it’s usually the point where commitments become much harder to unwind.

In most cases an estate agent will assist with this process. We strongly recommend appointing an independent lawyer if you are considering a property purchase or investment in Portugal.

Question 8

Can foreigners buy property in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in France with no general restrictions on non-residents.

The purchase is handled by a French notary (notaire), who verifies title, prepares the deed, collects taxes, and registers ownership. You’ll typically need valid ID, proof of funds, and (if financing) lender documents.

Most buyers sign a preliminary contract first, then complete at the notary a few months later. If you’re buying from abroad, you can often complete using a power of attorney arranged through the notary.

For complete information on buying a property in France, download our France Buying Guide.

Question 9

What are the typical costs and taxes when buying a villa in Spain?

Accepted Answer

The main tax depends on whether the villa is a resale or a new build. Resales typically involve transfer tax (ITP); new builds commonly involve VAT/IVA plus stamp duty (AJD) (the Canary Islands use different indirect tax rules).

You’ll also budget for Notary fees, Land Registry fees, legal conveyancing, and often translations if needed. After purchase, ongoing costs may include IBI (local property tax), insurance, utilities, maintenance (gardens/pool), and community fees if the villa is in an urbanisation with shared services.

For more information and to connect with local experts visit our Spain Experts Directory.

Question 10

What taxes and fees should I budget for when buying property in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Buyer costs in Cyprus typically include a mix of: VAT (commonly for new builds), Land Registry transfer fees (commonly for resales), legal fees, property insurance, surveys/inspections, and local/utility set-up costs.

Whether you pay VAT or transfer fees depends on the property and transaction structure, and there can be reductions/exemptions in some cases.

Also budget for ongoing ownership costs such as municipal fees, utilities, and maintenance/management (especially in complexes).

Because rates and rules can change, get a written cost estimate for your exact property before you sign.

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